Two strong-arm robberies within an hour in Sarasota

Sarasota Police are investigating two strong-arm robberies that occurred Saturday morning, within an hour of each other.

Police say it is unknown if these two crimes are connected.

The first robbery occurred near Bon Air Avenue and Indiana Lane at about 12:30 a.m. Saturday.

The victims told officers they were walking home from a local pub when a gray sports car, possibly two door, pulled up to them.

According to reports, two men got out of the car and pushed one of the victims to the ground and punched the other victim in the head twice.

The suspects took the female victim's purse. The men got back into the car and left heading north. The purse had credit cards and cash inside.

The suspect was described as a man with short puffy hair, who was clean shaven.

The second robbery occurred at the Tuttle Walkway Park at about 1:30 a.m. Saturday.

The victim told officers he was riding his bicycle when he stopped on the trail to look at a sewer drain.

Two men walked up to the victim and asked him if he needed anything. The men hit the victim in the face and threatened to shoot him. After the victim was hit, he stepped away and threw his wallet, cellphone, MP3 player and hat on the ground. The men took the belongings and threatened to shoot the victim if he “snitched.”

Both men are described as 5-feet, 7-inches and skinny. One had a brown hat. The second has spiked hair and was wearing a white T-shirt.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Sarasota Police Department at (941) 316-1199 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling (941) 366-TIPS (8477) or online at www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com